Plant Profile
(Crassulaceae)
Aeonium are fascinating succulent, they are sub-tropical plants with rosette, waxy leaves originally from the Canary Islands.
Ideal for containers on the deck or in the ground in hot, sunny positions a number of species and cultivars are available for sale.
These plants are native to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Madeira and surrounding areas.
A genus of about 40 species these succulents are really subtropical plants and are related to Sempervivum.
Some varieties are tall growing, such as A. arboreum ‘Velour’ pictured right. Others are very low growing including A. tabuliforme.
All have rosettes of waxy leaves and are ideal for containers on the deck or in the ground in hot, sunny positions. Aeoniums need some shelter from frost.
Many cultivars are also available including some amazing hybrids such as Aeonium ‘Big Bang’ and A.’Mardi Gras’.
How To Grow Aeoniums
These are succulents originally from the Canary Islands and can endure long periods without water all species require shelter from frost. A sunny position and a well drained potting mix are essential, protection from frosts is needed.
You can grow Aeoniums in the ground in warmer climates, in cooler zones grow them in containers and overwinter them indoors.
Light
Best grown in good light , full sun to part shade. The amount of sun will effect the colour of the foliage, too much hot sun can cause foliage burn.
A lack of light can cause leggy elongated growth.
Soil/Potting Mix
A free draining soil or potting mix is essential, Aeoniums do not like wet soil. Use an ordinary potting mix with a little extra drainage material such as coarse horticultural grit.
The choice of pot is also important, terracotta pots work well as they drain freely and allow the roots to breath.
Watering
Aeoniums, like most succulents do require an excellent drainage system, watering can be carried out once a week during active growth periods.
They can endure long periods without water however should be watered after fertilising. If you notice the leaves beginning to wrinkle or shrivel you are probably under watering.
Fertilizer
This is a succulent that will grow well in poor soils. You can use an all purpose fertilizer applied once a year.
Temperature
Protect from frosts and extreme cold.
How to Prune Aeoniums
Some varieties are stemless and some are tall growing, regular pruning of tall growing varieties will encourage branching.
The stemmed varieties are best pruned early on so that they branch, this means that after flowering, you can prune the spent flower head and its stem right back to where it branches
If plants become to tall or ‘leggy’ the top sections can be removed, allowed to dry for a week or two in a shaded but warm spot and then replanted.
Aeonium varieties.
- A. Schwarzkopf has wonderful deep purple leaves.
- A. Simsii is a small variety, 10cm.
- A. arboreum is a larger sculptural species.
- Aeonium aureum
- A.Kiwii
- A. Short Black
- A.canariense
- A. Mardi Gras
- A. undulatum – With interesting wavy or ‘undulating’ foliage this is a large growing species.
- A. tabuliforme – ‘Dinner Plate Aeonium ‘An unusual low growing ‘flat’ species, interesting circular pattern in the foliage.
- A. ‘Emerald Ice‘
- Aeonium arboreum and the cultivar A. ‘Schwarzkopf’ are dark foliaged varieties, A. Schwarzkopf has wonderful deep purple leaves. A. arboreum is a larger sculptural species..
Aeonium plants are available for sale from the following nurseries
Specialist succulent grower with a large range of Echeveria and other succulent genera, including rare and unusual varieties for the collector.
Online Retail Sales www.succulents-australia-sales.com
Succulent nursery for drought hardy plants. Includes: Adenium, Agave, Alluadia, Aloe, Anecampseros, Crassula, Euphorbia, Gasteraloe, Haworthia, Kalanchoe, Ledebouria, Portulacaria, Sedum, Senecio and many others.
CHOICE SUCCULENTS
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au